FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions

Our most booked clients are those who are getting married, so here are some answers for your general questions:

1. HOW MANY SETS ARE IN YOUR PACKAGE?

We play for a standard one, two or three sets. Each set is about forty five minutes to one hour or about 10-15 songs/pieces.

When we are asked to play even for 2 or three songs, our minimum charge is for one set.

One set cannot be staggered. Meaning, if you choose the One Set Package, you cannot have 2 songs in the church, then the rest of the songs at the reception.

2. HOW MANY ARE YOU AND WHAT ARE THE INSTRUMENTS?

We are generally four members…thus the string “quartet”. But depending on the contract we can add more members.

The instrumentation is Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola and Cello. This cannot be altered. The reason why is because we read from specially arranged music. The written music is specifically designed for those four instruments. There are cases where the violins are replaced with a flute. Though it still sounds awesome, this is very seldom and is not recommended.

We can add a double bass, a keyboard, or even winds and percussion but the standard instrumentation of the string quartet must be present.

3. WHAT IS YOUR OUT OF TOWN CHARGE (Tagaytay, Batangas, Laguna, Pampanga, Bulacan, etc)?

If a venue is NOT Manila or Greater Manila Area (GMA), it is considered Out of Town. The rates are DOUBLED, and for provincial venues, the client must shoulder transportation/air fare, and hotel accommodations. Please be guided accordingly. Antipolo, Las Pinas, Taytay, Alabang are still considered as Manila, however, we cannot give a discount on these locations.

4. DO YOU HAVE A SINGER?

The Manila String Machine is generally and technically an INSTRUMENTAL group. But if you require singers or a singer, we have partner groups/solo artists who we work with regularly. You can contact them directly, or you can book them through us.

5. HOW DO WE BOOK YOU?

You can go to our BOOK US page and there are instructions there for the booking.

6. DO YOU ISSUE RECEIPTS?

Yes we do. But mind the NET cost and GROSS cost. We have to compute those.

7. IS THE GROUP FIXED ON THEIR MEMBERS OR DO THEY INTERCHANGE?

We interchange members. We are a pool of equally talented and competent musicians, all of whom can read and play our music. Each of them are selected from Music Colleges, Universities and Professional Orchestras and we maintain a strict standard. You need not worry who the musicians are. We will send trusted and accredited musicians. And our name is our guarantee.

8. DO YOU NEED A SOUND SYSTEM?

Yes, we need a sound system to amplify our music. If you have more than 20 guests, you automatically need sound reinforcement. We have partner groups at a cheap price but excellent services.

You can stay updated via our Facebook Page (Manila String Machine). But normally we play in private functions, so it’s either you crash it, or sit in during the mass (its open to the public most often)

We are regular musicians at The Shangri-la Makati Lobby Lounge MWF 3-5:45pm.

We also hold what we call a PLAY AND MEET SESSION where clients can listen to us and even request music while dining at a fancy restaurant.

This is held every 1st Tuesday of the month, 7pm, in La Creperie Moderne in V Corporate Center, Soliman St. Salcedo Village Makati City. Again, scheds are posted at our FB page Manila String Machine.